After converting our ceiling lights to recessed lighting, I took some to a donation center. For some reason they said they couldn't accept them. I took one apart and found another use for it...I used plants that were readily available either from my own backyard, or from a nice neighbor.

Here's another planter, but I only used the bowl from a ceiling fixture. I call it "Half Moon" because the white sedum look very much like stars. The silver platter is one that I got from a thrift shop and it is upside down.

« Last Edit: January 23, 2012 07:56:49 AM by jungrrl - Reason: made title more descriptive »

Love it! It is a beautiful addition to your lovely home! You are so clever -- it looks very zen like and who would guess what it was!

Most charities cannot accept them because of the potential danger to others as they cannot guarantee that the wires and stuff are safe after taken out of the original box...I know because I have a whole box of nice ceiling fixtures that I think Habitat for Humanity will take since they have electricians who can check them out....but other charities would not take them at all

What a great idea, and so nicely executed! Can you describe a bit of what you did? Last night while walking the dogs I saw one of these a neighbor had put out on the lawn and brought it home thinking I might change out a ceiling fixture somewhere...but you've created a vastly better use for it I'd like to try doing myself!

What a great idea, and so nicely executed! Can you describe a bit of what you did? Last night while walking the dogs I saw one of these a neighbor had put out on the lawn and brought it home thinking I might change out a ceiling fixture somewhere...but you've created a vastly better use for it I'd like to try doing myself!

Hello waterbaby,As always I'm kicking myself for not taking photos for a tutorial. I will try to explain as best I can...First, I unscrewed the bowl from the base of the lamp.I would recommend using gloves because it does have a pad of fiberglass.I removed all the padding, bulbs, and the wires until I was left with 4 pieces: The base, the bowl, the tip and the stem that attaches everything together.The bowl was placed upside down onto the base, and the two were connected with the stem, topped by the tip.I put about 1.5 inches worth of gravel in the bowl to weigh it down, then I only put potting soil around the circumference of the bowl. In the center I put more gravel, then decorative rock. After planting some cuttings, I layered the soil with some moss. There are holes on the base, so I just put decorative river rock on it to cover the holes.I hope these instructions make sense. If you do proceed with creating a planter, I would love to see it.

Love this idea. Makes me wish I had reject lighting like yours to make these. I'll have to keep an eye open on the flea markets! Or convince my mother she needs different lighting in her bedroom, she has a light fixture that is very similar to your first one.

Balatong, thanks so much for the detailed description of your method. Will start working on making one myself just as soon as I can figure out just where to put it (the light fixture I picked up is a good 16 inches across).

And I really like the second planter you added to your original post, too -- another clever and charming idea!